Problems with the control units on Renault: affected models and engines

In 3 models from Renault there are 3 documented faults with the control units. The most important: multiplex electrical system and hands-free card faults, hands-free card, GPS and control unit faults and immobiliser fault on the Twingo I.

Reviewed on 30 October 2026How we work

Documented faults, from most to least important

Severity × frequency. Below each one, the Renault models it appears in.

- High severityFrequency: CommonRenault Laguna IIMultiplex electrical system and hands-free card faultsThe Laguna II had a reputation problem because of faults in its multiplexed electrical network: the hands-free card, the card reader and the ABS, ESP and handbrake warning lights came on erratically, especially in the early years of production (2001-2003).
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Vel SatisHands-free card, GPS and control unit faultsElectronics is the most cited area on fiches-auto.fr for the Vel Satis (26 cases): faults with the hands-free card, readers, control units and the Cabasse GPS navigation system. We have found no official recall.
- Medium severityFrequency: RareRenault Twingo IImmobiliser fault on the Twingo IOver the years the Twingo I's immobiliser can stop working and the car will not start; the German source says a new unit costs at least around €1,000, and sometimes the culprit is the key.

By Renault model

Open yours to see only the faults that affect it, by engine and by year.

Frequently asked questions

What faults with the control units do Renault cars have?

Which Renault models have the most problems with the control units?

Renault Twingo I (1 fault), Renault Laguna II (1 fault) and Renault Vel Satis (1 fault).